Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Dakar

Dakar rewards riders who are willing to explore beyond the hotel strip. Picture cutting along the Corniche Ouest with the Atlantic on one side and the city's rooftops on the other, then continuing north until the road gives way to the improbable pink water of Lac Rose. A motorcycle turns that trip — and a dozen smaller ones, like the sunset climb to the lighthouse above Ouakam — from a logistical headache into the best part of your day.

Downtown Dakar traffic can grind to a standstill, especially around the Plateau at rush hour, and a car or taxi simply sits in it. A scooter or motorcycle slips through, gets you to appointments on time, and lets you stop wherever the coast looks good instead of wherever a shared taxi happens to be going. The Corniche and the Petite Côte further south are built for this kind of travel: wide, scenic, and dotted with beaches, viewpoints and fishing villages that a car would just cruise past. Even the longer runs out to Toubab Dialaw or Popenguine, 30 to 90 minutes each way, sit comfortably within range for a day trip on two wheels.

Top 10 things to see in Dakar by motorcycle

1. Lac Rose (Lac Retba) — the pink salt lake north-east of the city, and the classic turnaround point for a day ride.
2. Phare des Mamelles (Mamelles Lighthouse) — a hilltop lighthouse with the best sunset view over the Atlantic and the Dakar skyline.
3. Monument de la Renaissance Africaine — Africa's tallest statue, on the same hill as the lighthouse and an easy add to a short loop.
4. Pointe des Almadies — the westernmost point of mainland Africa, past beach clubs and surf spots.
5. Plage de Ngor / Ngor Island — a lively beach and the pirogue crossing to the small offshore island, a good place to end a coastal ride.
6. Corniche Ouest — the coastal road linking downtown to Almadies, and the natural spine of most rides in the city.
7. Île de Gorée — park at the Port de Dakar and take the short ferry over to this UNESCO memorial island (the island itself is on foot only).
8. Soumbédioune fishing village and beach — a colorful pirogue harbor near downtown, worth a photo stop on the way along the corniche.
9. Toubab Dialaw — an artsy cliffside coastal village about an hour south, a favorite longer ride out of the city.
10. Popenguine — a quiet town further down the Petite Côte, often paired with Toubab Dialaw for a full-day loop.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Dakar?

You'll need a valid motorcycle licence from home, plus an International Driving Permit, since Senegal follows the French-style category system. Rental firms generally only take adult drivers, with 18 as the usual floor and many operators setting their own higher minimum. Expect to leave a cash deposit along with your passport or a copy of it — the exact amount depends on the operator and the machine, so it's worth confirming before you book.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Dakar?

A standard scooter or motorcycle typically runs 15,000–17,000 XOF per day in low season and 20,000–26,000 XOF per day in high season, while larger-cc or newer motorcycles climb to roughly 35,000–45,000 XOF per day.

• Prices rise through December–February, when European travellers arrive in force and the city is at its driest and coolest.
• Prices drop from July to September, during the rainy season, when tourist numbers thin out.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Dakar?

High season runs November through February, and it's also when Dakar is at its best for riding — dry, cool, and with the widest choice of available bikes, so book ahead if you're coming then. Low season falls in the July–October rains, especially August and September, when prices ease but unpaved coastal stretches can turn muddy. There's usually a smaller bump in demand around Easter too, so plan a few days ahead if your trip lands there.

Local traffic rules in Dakar

Senegal drives on the right. Helmets are legally required for riders, and even though enforcement is inconsistent, you should always rent one that actually fits. Speed limits follow the French pattern — 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road, with a higher posted limit on the tolled A1 motorway toward Diamniadio. Treat drink-driving as a strict zero: police checkpoints are common, especially on routes out of the city, so keep your licence, IDP and registration on hand at all times.

Most of our motorcycle rentals in Dakar come from operators with years of experience, and you'll get a well-maintained bike, a proper helmet and friendly service on pickup. If you want to rent a motorcycle in Dakar, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!